Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
I’m in a human trap, and I kind of love it. It’s been a long time since I was close to anyone physically. Even sharing hugs was rare. If I didn’t have Binx, I’d have no clue what cuddling was. This must be what he feels like when I make him snuggle me. I don’t feel so bad now because I’m loving this.
To see Eros, this scary, badass man wrapped around me like I’m a lifeline is intoxicating. The way he touches and watches me makes me feel seen. I've spent so long trying to slip back into the shadows. It’s crazy to think that in that darkness, there was Eros.
Tentatively I raise my hand, not wanting to wake him. He looks so peaceful in his sleep. I was starting to think the man never slept. It doesn't matter when I go to sleep or wake up; he's always alert. Right now, his breathing is even, and for once I get to watch him.
He left the nightstand light on for me, and it gives me a clear view of his back, down to his sweatpants. I rest my hand on him, feeling his muscles flex and then relax.
My body heats thinking about what we did last night. I'm still completely naked. I would think it would be awkward for me. I'm not used to being bare in front of anyone really, but after last night, I don't care. I have no doubt how Eros sees me. I might not get or understand it, but I know he views me in a way no one else does.
Eros shifts, tilting his head back, our eyes locking.
“Morning.” I drift my fingers up and down his back.
“Morning,” he responds, taking a deep breath. “You always smell so good.” He turns his face back into my chest.
"I probably smell like you." I laugh. Between that mouth of his and now how he's wrapped around me, I don't think there is an inch of me that he hasn't touched in some way.
One of his hands comes up to cup my breasts. “I’ve never slept so deep before. Pretty sure it was these.”
“My personal pillows just for you,” I joke.
“Better be only for me,” he grumbles, sounding annoyed, which only makes me smile bigger.
“How does your cheek feel?” I still feel horrible that my father did that to him.
“I might need to eat your pussy again.”
“Eros!” I gasp, smacking his back.
“What? I think it has healing powers. I slept great.”
“I can’t with you.” I shake my head. “But really.”
“It’s fine. As you can see, I’m used to it.” I have noticed the scars on him here and there. I was sure one was from a knife.
During our time in the cabin, he filled me in on how he grew up. It was interesting and a bit crazy how he was raised. Where my father hid everything from me, the Marinos put everything out there to each other. They never sugarcoated who they were. There were no real surprises when it came to them.
It would be messed up if not for the fact that they all really did have a choice with what they wanted to do. They didn’t have to join the Marino empire, but I think some things are in your blood. To me, that thought could be terrifying.
“I’m sor—”
“No.” He cuts me off, lifting his head to stare straight at me. “How about we’re even? My family put you in the hole, and yours sliced my cheek.”
"It might scar."
He shrugs. "Never gave a shit about my appearance before."
"Before?"
"I mean, I want you to be attracted to me." He rubs the underside of his jaw. "I think women were attracted to me in the past because of my last name and their tendency to fetishize me."
"Well, I do find you attractive." Too much, actually. "They wanted the whole bad boy do me dirty thing?" He shrugs, but I know I'm right.
Jealousy flares to life inside of me. Did he give any of them that? I push that thought down. It’s the past. I want to keep it there. I enjoy living in Eros’s obsession of me era, and thinking I’m special and his one and only, but I know it’s stupid to believe. He’s older than me. Hell, I’m still in high school. I’m sure he experienced a lot of life before I came along.
"I get that. I have the same thing at school. They think I'm some freak in the sheets because of my boots and fishnets." They aren't even those over-the-top fishnets. They're subtle, more pantyhose than anything.
"Give me a list, and I'll handle them."
I snort a laugh. "I can never tell if you're joking." His expression can remain so blank. It's impressive. My face speaks for itself without me opening my mouth at all.